Warrnambool City Council will explore “all” funding avenues to redevelop Reid Oval, including low-interest loans, in a renewed commitment to the project. Chief executive officer Bruce Anson is leaving the door open to seeking loans if a bid for state government funds is rejected after new incentives were announced by Spring Street. Mr Anson, who has been lobbying politicians in Melbourne, said plans to transform the city’s run-down premier oval were almost completed and would be sent to the state government by the end of the month. Upper house MP James Purcell has said he would guarantee $7million funding if the plans were finished by the end of next week. “We believe that this will make a very strong case for the delivery of the funding required, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this a reality,” Mr Anson said. “We will explore all potential funding opportunities to redevelop Reid Oval and other sporting and recreational facilities, however it must be noted that all loans need to be repaid by subsequent councils.” Mayor Robert Anderson said upgrade costs was about $10.2 million. South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the loan scheme was an “absolute disgrace”. “After handing the AFL $255 million of taxpayers money to upgrade Etihad Stadium, Daniel Andrews is now encouraging community sporting clubs to take out a loan – which bears interest - to upgrade their tired and rundown facilities,” she said.

All Reid Oval funding avenues to be explored Warrnambool City Council says

Warrnambool City Council will explore “all” funding avenues to redevelop Reid Oval, including low-interest loans, in a renewed commitment to the project. Chief executive officer Bruce Anson is leaving the door open to seeking loans if a bid for state government funds is rejected after new incentives were announced by Spring Street.

Mr Anson, who has been lobbying politicians in Melbourne, said plans to transform the city’s run-down premier oval were almost completed and would be sent to the state government by the end of the month.

Upper house MP James Purcell has said he would guarantee $7million funding if the plans were finished by the end of next week.

“We believe that this will make a very strong case for the delivery of the funding required, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this a reality,” Mr Anson said. “We will explore all potential funding opportunities to redevelop Reid Oval and other sporting and recreational facilities, however it must be noted that all loans need to be repaid by subsequent councils.”

Mayor Robert Anderson said upgrade costs was about $10.2 million. South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the loan scheme was an “absolute disgrace”.

“After handing the AFL $255 million of taxpayers money to upgrade Etihad Stadium, Daniel Andrews is now encouraging community sporting clubs to take out a loan – which bears interest - to upgrade their tired and rundown facilities,” she said.